Davis, Cousins lead Pelicans past Mavericks

New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) slam dunks ahead of Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Wednesday, March 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA—Anthony Davis had 30 points and 13 rebounds, DeMarcus Cousins added 29 points and 16 rebounds in his return from a two-game absence, and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Dallas Mavericks 121-118 on Wednesday night.

Back from a right ankle sprain, Cousins played 40 minutes. His baskets included a 29-foot 3-pointer at the end of the first half and he was 10 of 12 at the free-throw line. Davis’ highlights included an offensive rebound and dunk with 1:50 left as New Orleans won for the seventh time in 10 games.

Jordan Crawford’s 15-point performance included a 22-foot jumper that put the Pelicans up 121-116 with 47 seconds left.

Dirk Nowitzki had 23 points for Dallas, which lost its third straight. Harrison Barnes scored 19 and Seth Curry 18 for the Mavericks.